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Turkish Journal of Zoology

DOI

10.3906/zoo-2104-16

Abstract

The health status of Pelophylax ridibundus species living in anthropogenic pollution sources in Erzurum (Turkey) were investigated. Firstly, heavy metal concentrations in liver of the frog species, and in water and sediment samples taken from the habitats of the frogs were determined by instrumental analysis. Secondly, morphometric (fluctuating asymmetry-FA, hepatosomatic index- HSI) and erythrometric analyses were performed to reveal the health status of the frogs in the areas. Our study provides the first morphometric datas on the frog in Turkey. Although the metal concentrations in the water were high, it was determined that they did not exceed the limit values. However, Cr, Ni, Zn, and As metal concentrations in the sediment were determined to be above the acceptable level. It was also found that some metals accumulated in the livers of the frog due to heavy metal pollution. On the other hand, the FA, HSI values and the erythrocytic nuclear abnormality frequency increased in the frogs living in polluted stations. Moreover, erythrocyte size decreased and nucleated erythrocyte, mitotic erythrocyte, pycnotic erythrocyte, and immature erythrocyte frequencies increased. It was found that there was a correlation between the presence of pollution and the health status of the frogs, and the frog populations were affected negatively by anthropogenic pollution.

Keywords

Anthropogenic pollution, morphometric analyses, erythrometric analyses, Pelophylax ridibundus

First Page

314

Last Page

328

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